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Soriano smashes first homer of spring in loss

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By Carrie Muskat
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MLB.com |

MESA, Ariz. -- Lonnie Chisenhall hit a solo home run, RBI double and RBI single, Mark Reynolds added a solo homer and RBI double, and Nick Swisher drove in four runs to power the Indians to a 13-5 victory on Monday over the Cubs.

It was a wild start for Indians right-hander Carlos Carrasco, who is in the mix for the fifth spot in Cleveland's rotation. He struck out Luis Valbuena to open the Cubs' first, then was hit on the side of his head by Darnell McDonald's line drive. Carrasco fell to his knees on the mound, and was tended to by the Indians athletic trainer, but he stayed in the game.

Carrasco may have regretted that in the second, as he dove in an attempt to catch Junior Lake's popup. Carrasco stayed following that play as well, and gave up two runs on four hits over three innings.

Chisenhall and Reynolds each hit solo home runs for the Indians off of Cubs pitcher Alberto Cabrera. Alfonso Soriano connected on his first spring homer leading off the Cubs' second, and Steve Clevenger then walked. One out later, Brad Nelson hit a RBI double to tie the game.

The Indians opened a 5-2 lead in the third on a RBI double by Chisenhall, a RBI single by Swisher, and an RBI double by Reynolds.

This was Cabrera's first Cactus League start and he gave up five runs on seven hits over 2 2/3 innings. The right-hander, who is projected to open at Triple-A Iowa, could be an option during the season if the Cubs need another starter. Cubs manager Dale Sveum has also mentioned Drew Carpenter, Brooks Raley, and Chris Rusin as options.

Drew Stubbs hit a RBI double in the fourth, driving in Omir Santos, who reached on a throwing error by third baseman Lake. Chisenhall and Swisher each hit RBI singles in the fourth as well. Stubbs also connected for a two-run triple in the fifth.

Swisher bashed a two-run homer in the sixth off Minor Leaguer Ty'Relle Harris, his first of the spring.

Up next for the Cubs: Scott Feldman will make his second spring start Tuesday when the Cubs travel to Scottsdale to face the Rockies. In his other 2013 Cactus League start last Thursday against the Athletics, the right-hander went two innings and gave up two hits, walked two and struck out two. A live webcast of the game will be available on Cubs.com.